Sustainable self-charging aqueous zinc-ion battery using calcium vanadate cathode derived from concrete waste

Haneen Mohammed Alhassan, Arshad Hussain, Yuda Prima Hardianto, Shaik Inayath Basha, Ananda Sholeh Rifky Hakim, Abdulmajid A. Mirghni, Md Abdul Aziz*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Self-charging aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are emerging as promising candidates for off-grid and autonomous energy storage, particularly where access to external power sources is limited. In this study, we report a novel AZIBs featuring a calcium vanadate (CaVO) cathode synthesized via a sustainable hydrothermal method using calcium hydroxide derived from concrete waste. Structural and morphological characterizations confirm the formation of nanostrip-shaped CaVO with high crystallinity and porosity, ideal for ion diffusion. Electrochemical tests reveal a high reversible capacity of 155 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, excellent rate capability, and low charge-transfer resistance. Notably, the battery demonstrates spontaneous air-driven self-charging behavior, enabled by the oxidation of reduced vanadium species through ambient oxygen via the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Compared to CaVO without concrete, the concrete-derived version exhibits superior redox reversibility, structural stability, and self-charging efficiency. This work introduces a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach for producing air-rechargeable AZIBs, integrating waste valorization and ambient energy harvesting for use in remote, wearable, and low-power electronics.

Original languageEnglish
Article number131772
JournalMaterials Chemistry and Physics
Volume349
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2026

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 Elsevier B.V.

Keywords

  • Aqueous zinc-ion batteries
  • CaVO
  • Concrete waste
  • Self-charging
  • Sustainable

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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